THE new exit and entry law will increase the fine for both employers and employees who violate the law.

Neps Guisona, a Filipino who has worked in Shenzhen since 2005, said in an interview that the new rule will help curb illegal employment.

The fine for employers who illegally employ foreigners has increased from 5,000-50,000 yuan (US$787-7,870) to 10,000 to 100,000 yuan.

“The risk to employers is higher. They must get necessary documents for their foreign workers, otherwise they will be severely fined,” Guisona said. At the same time, he suggested the government make sure foreigners are aware of the changes in the rules.

Wen Yupeng, a police officer with Exit and Entry Administration Department of Futian District Public Security Bureau, said the rule will deter foreigners from working illegally in Shenzhen. “Some foreigners come to China on tourism visas and decide that getting a work visa is too troublesome. So they work illegally and the number of people doing this has been increasing,” Wen said.

According to the old rule, foreigners who were caught working illegally would be fined only 1,000 yuan. But the fine will increase to 10,000 yuan and violators who don’t pay will be detained for five to 15 days. Foreigners who are deemed “unsuitable” to reside in China will be given an exit deadline and those who commit “severe violations” may be deported and not allowed to enter the country for 10 years.

According to Shenzhen public security bureau, illegal employment of foreigners is mainly seen in low-end manufacturing factories in Longgang and Bao’an districts, language training institutions and some office buildings. In Shenzhen, as of the end of May, more than 10,000 expats have obtained work permits issued by labor authorities.